By Blake Jackson
The Food as Health Alliance (FAHA) marked its first anniversary with a celebratory event at Alltech Brewery in Lexington, Kentucky.
The alliance, a collaboration of researchers, clinicians, community partners, food producers, healthcare providers, and students, is dedicated to improving the lives of Kentuckians through food-based interventions.
Under the leadership of Alison Gustafson, FAHA Director and Gatton Foundation Endowed Chair, the alliance has been actively engaged in research, outreach, training, and policy initiatives to address food insecurity and diet-related chronic diseases. In just one year, FAHA has made significant strides in improving the health of Kentuckians.
“We are thrilled to report that through various collaborations and grants we have provided Food is Medicine programs to over 400 adults with hypertension or type 2 diabetes,” Gustafson said. “We have reduced blood pressure and food insecurity and have improved overall health for Kentuckians.”
The celebratory event recognized the contributions of FAHA's partners, including UK HealthCare, UofL Health, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, Dare to Care, Feeding Kentucky, God's Pantry, and many others.
Keynote speakers Eric Friedlander, Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary, and Lisa Lee, Commissioner of Medicaid.
Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell also highlighted the valuable partnership between FAHA and the Food is Medicine work group and outlined future plans for collaboration.
“We are looking forward to our next steps and future collaborations with agriculture, health care, insurance, industry, and community-based organizations to do even more,” Gustafson said.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: Kentucky, Business